Rainforest and Rural Economy in Sarawak.
|
THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
|
Title :
Rainforest and Rural Economy in Sarawak. |
|
Author :
P.P.M. Burgers |
|
Abstract:
For a long time rural development in less-developed countries was conceived as a stimulus for food production and agricultural commercialization to lessen poverty in large segments of the population. However, from the late seventies more emphasiswas put on the integration of agriculture with other economic sectors. This new emphasis grew from the gradual realization that the growth in agricultural production did not automatically bring about a more equal distribution of income. Furthermore sole emphasison agriculture often resulted in an environmental degradation. To counter the growing inequality as well as the resultant environmental degradation, more attention was paid to alternative strategies aimed at a more even distribution of basic needs and the alleviation of poverty, while at the same time environmental degradation could be countered. The change in development thinking greatly influenced the conception of the role of forests and forestry in agricultural development. It was recognised that forestry could playa substantial role in the provision of basic needs to rural communities and in the maintenance of soil fertility. The importance attached to forests and forestry for the development of rural economies and for agricultural development in particularwas defined as follows: Maintaining ecological balance, Increasing the supply of products for local consumption, And improving the benefits from industrial use of timber (F.A.O. 1981).
|
| DOI: XXXX |
|
How to cite:
P.P.M Burgers. (1993). Rainforest and Rural Economy in Sarawak. The Sarawak Museum Journal, XLIV (65): 19-48 |
|
References
|
